Apple Pie Cookies are a charming twist on a classic dessert, delivering the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie in a handheld, cookie-sized form. With tender, buttery pastry and a sweet apple filling, these treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, fall baking, or anytime you want a nostalgic bite of apple pie without the fork.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies combine the best parts of apple pie and buttery shortcrust in a simple, elegant form. They’re easy to make, perfectly portable, and ideal for sharing. The cinnamon-spiced apple filling nestled between flaky layers of pastry makes each bite irresistible, and the golden egg wash with coarse sugar adds the perfect crunch on top.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water
2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and stir until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to blend.
Shape the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Fill and Seal:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Roll out the second portion of dough and cut out more circles. Place one circle over each filled base and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Egg Wash and Bake:
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling for a richer flavor.
Apple-Pear Mix: Use a mix of apples and pears for a more complex fruit filling.
Spiced Sugar Crust: Mix cinnamon with coarse sugar before sprinkling on top for extra spice.
Mini Pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make bite-sized versions, perfect for parties or gifting.
Iced Topping: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled for a bakery-style finish.
storage/reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in a single layer and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, store-bought dough will work in place of homemade if you’re short on time.
What type of apples are best?
Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the assembled cookies a day in advance. Bake just before serving.
How do I prevent the cookies from getting soggy?
Make sure your apple filling isn’t too wet. Drain any excess liquid before assembling.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can add a pleasant crunch and richness to the filling.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze baked cookies and reheat in the oven as needed for fresh results.
Can I make these without the egg wash?
Yes, but the tops won’t be as glossy or golden. You can brush with milk as an alternative.
Do I need to cook the apples first?
No, the apples will soften perfectly while baking inside the cookies.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely—try a pinch of allspice, clove, or cardamom for more depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cookies offer all the warm, cozy charm of homemade apple pie in a fun, shareable form. They’re the perfect treat for holidays, fall baking, or anytime you want a sweet, flaky dessert that’s easy to grab and go. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and golden finish, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Pie Cookies are a charming twist on a classic dessert, delivering the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie in a handheld, cookie-sized form. With tender, buttery pastry and a sweet apple filling, these treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, fall baking, or anytime you want a nostalgic bite of apple pie without the fork.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies combine the best parts of apple pie and buttery shortcrust in a simple, elegant form. They’re easy to make, perfectly portable, and ideal for sharing. The cinnamon-spiced apple filling nestled between flaky layers of pastry makes each bite irresistible, and the golden egg wash with coarse sugar adds the perfect crunch on top.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water
2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and stir until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to blend.
Shape the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Fill and Seal:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Roll out the second portion of dough and cut out more circles. Place one circle over each filled base and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Egg Wash and Bake:
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling for a richer flavor.
Apple-Pear Mix: Use a mix of apples and pears for a more complex fruit filling.
Spiced Sugar Crust: Mix cinnamon with coarse sugar before sprinkling on top for extra spice.
Mini Pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make bite-sized versions, perfect for parties or gifting.
Iced Topping: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled for a bakery-style finish.
storage/reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in a single layer and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, store-bought dough will work in place of homemade if you’re short on time.
What type of apples are best?
Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the assembled cookies a day in advance. Bake just before serving.
How do I prevent the cookies from getting soggy?
Make sure your apple filling isn’t too wet. Drain any excess liquid before assembling.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can add a pleasant crunch and richness to the filling.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze baked cookies and reheat in the oven as needed for fresh results.
Can I make these without the egg wash?
Yes, but the tops won’t be as glossy or golden. You can brush with milk as an alternative.
Do I need to cook the apples first?
No, the apples will soften perfectly while baking inside the cookies.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely—try a pinch of allspice, clove, or cardamom for more depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cookies offer all the warm, cozy charm of homemade apple pie in a fun, shareable form. They’re the perfect treat for holidays, fall baking, or anytime you want a sweet, flaky dessert that’s easy to grab and go. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and golden finish, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
These apple pie cookies are mini hand pies bursting with warm, spiced apple filling and wrapped in buttery pie crust. A cozy dessert perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you crave classic apple pie flavor in cookie form!
Instructions
For the Dough:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
-
2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1/4 cup brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Assembly:
-
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
-
Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Make Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Divide in half, wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
-
Make Filling: In a bowl, mix diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside.
-
Roll & Fill: Roll out one dough portion to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 3-inch circles and place on the baking sheet. Add 1 tbsp apple filling to each.
-
Top & Seal: Roll out remaining dough, cut circles, and place over filling. Press edges with a fork to seal.
-
Finish: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
-
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
-
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for extra flavor depth.
-
Serve with caramel drizzle or vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
-
Best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they store well in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
